Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria

Variety: Sangria

Region: N/A

Country: Spain

Year: Not-Vintage

Price: $4.95

Winemaker's notes: Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple. 

My Review: The last wine in this weeks wine tasting and it wasn't that bad. The smell was good had a strong fruit smell of citrus. Like the smell it was fruity and sweet. This would be a good starting wine. For the price I would drink this again. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: N/A

Country: Argentina

Year: Not-Vintage

Price: $3.95

Winemaker's notes: It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone.

My Review: This week, this was the only variety I already tried before. Had a very strong smell and little cherry. Tasted oak and bit of cherry. Also it was really dry. Would not buy this.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety: Nero D'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Winemaker's notes: Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins. 

My Review: This wine was another new variety of wine I tried at this weeks tasting. Didn't enjoy this one. Smell was strong and smelled a little like plums. Tasted pretty bad, no sweetness and acidic. I wouldn't drink this again.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose

Variety: 50%Tempranillo 50% Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $3.95 Sale $1.95

Winemaker's notes: 50%Tempranillo 50% Garnacha This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.

My Review: This wine had a fruity smell of cherries. Unlike the smell the taste was pretty acidic and hot. I didn't really enjoy this wine. Would not drink this even if it was cheap. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety: Piquepoul

Region: Cotes de Thau

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind.

My Review: I have never tried piquepoul and didn't really know what to expect. It had a nice citrus smell. It tasted good, like the smell tasted like citrus, and was light. Would not mind drinking again.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti

Variety: Sangiovese

Region: Tuscany

Country: Italy

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review: The last wine I tried this week. Smelled like alcohol and no fruity smell. The taste was too dry and not sweet. I didn't enjoy this wine. Wouldn't drink this again.

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese 25% Rondinella 10% Molinara

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review: The fourth wine and finally red wine. Straight away I smelled cherry. Wasn't really sweet and the after taste was very dry. It was again very different and new blend of wine I have tried.  

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Variety: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot

Region: Cotes de Gascogne

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel. 

My Review: Third wine I tried. Was really pain. I didn't really smell the rose or anything. Was very watery taste and weak. Taste was okay, but I wouldn't really enjoy drinking this again.   

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes

Region: Mendoz

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

My Review: The second one I tried at the Vintage Cellar. First time I tried torrontes. This wine had a floral smell and smelled very clean and fresh. Had only a little alcohol taste and was refreshing. I would drink this one again. 

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava

Variety: 45% Macabeo 30% Parellada 25% Xarel-lo

Region: Penedes

Country: Spain

Year: Not-Vintage

Price: $9.95

Winemaker's notes: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo 

The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has

complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid

from front to back, with health and freshness.

My Review: This was the first wine I tried in Vintage Cellar this week. I didn't enjoy the smell too much. It had a acidic smell. The taste was okay. Could taste a lot of citrus and grapefruit. Nice a bubbly and very different. I wouldn't mine drinking this again.   

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato 

Variety: Moscato
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Not-Vintage
Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts. 

My Review: The last wine I tried at the Vintage Cellar. This wine is very girly. Like the name of the wine the color was pink. It smelled like a fruit scented body wash. It tasted very sweet. It had a slight tingle to it like soda. I would describe this as a mix between lollipop and soda. It be a nice wine to drink with my girlfriend or my mom, but I would not drink it by myself. 

I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz 2011

Variety: Shiraz
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate. 

My Review: The fourth wine I tasted at Vintage Cellar. This wine sucked. I didn't enjoy this at all. It smelled like alcohol and nothing else. The taste was very harsh. It wasn't sweet at all and was very hard. I don't think I will drink this until I get to know red wine better.

I tried on it own with out food

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Variety: 50% Syrah, 28% Pinot Noir 22% Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: U.S.
Year: Not-Vintage
Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.

My Review:  This wine was the third wine I tried at Vintage Cellar. The smell was very nice. It smelled fruity like grapes. The taste felt very full and sour. The after taste wasn't that bad. I wouldn't mind drinking this wine again. 


I had this on its own with out food.

Tasting - Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon 2008

Variety: 80% Chardonnay 20% Semillon 
Region: South Australia 
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish.

My Review: It was the second wine I tasted at Vintage Cellar. This wine I wasn't sure about. I didn't like it nor did I hate it. I didn't enjoy the smell of it. It smelled like dye. The taste at first was bitter. The after taste was very smooth like silk. I wouldn't drink this wine again. 

I tasted on it own with out food.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling 2009
Variety: Riesling
Region: California 
Country: U.S
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach
flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

My Review: This was the first wine I tried at the Vintage Cellar wine tasting. Like the moscato I think It be a good wine to start with. This wine smelled really sweet. Very fruity smell. I thought it was sweet and tasted very peachy. Was very complex and soft. Was enjoyable and would not mind drinking it again. 

Tasted it on its own with out food

Tasting - Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay

Name: Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2011
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: U.S.
Year: 2011
Price: $10.00

Winemaker's notes:

My goal with the Columbia Valley Chardonnay is to make a pleasurable, food-friendly Chardonnay. This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character and subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards all over Washington's Columbia Valley to make this a complex, interesting wine. The sur lie aging gives it an appealing softness.

My Review: Smelled sweet like the merlot. It tasted pretty sweet and sour. It had a very creamy taste at the end. Tasted like grape and apples. 

I tasted on its own with no food

Tasting - Meridian Vineyards Merlot

Name: Meridian Vineyards Merlot 2010

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: U.S.

Year: 2010

Price: $8.00

Online Note: This Merlot opens with aromas of red currant, vanilla and baking spices. On the palate you’ll find flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cola with round tannins softened by seven months of aging in French and American oak.

My review: Was my second time drinking red wine. Smelled very sweet, like sweet grape. Tasted sour at first, but went down smooth. It is a very plain taste. 

I tasted this with a cheese burger. With the burger the wine taste was increased.

Tasting - Moscato Provincia di Pavia

Name: Castello del Poggio Moscato Provincia di Pavia
Variety: Muscat
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $10

Online Wine Review: Straw-yellow color with golden reflections and a delicate mousse. Fruity and very inviting, with intense scents of peaches and exotic fruit. Fresh and pleasantely sweet with a taste that reveals its varietal characteristic. Excellent as dessert wine it matches perfectly with jam tarts fruit salads and pastry. Also delicious with ice cream, or just on its own as an accompaniment to conversation among friends.

My Review: Really sweet and tastes like cider. Very fruity like the online review. Little too sweet for me but it tastes a right. I wouldn't buy this again, but will get it for my mother. 

I tasted on its own with no food